Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for Rural Communities

Course Overview

This course helps participants recognize and respond to mental health challenges and crises in adults. It includes:

• 2 hours of self-paced pre-work on Connect
• Live Instructor Led Session: 6 hours of live, interactive training via Zoom
• 15 minutes of self-paced post-work on Connect

Note: The Live Instructor Led Session may take place on 1 day, or be split between 2 days depending on the class option you select. 

Note: This course does not train you to diagnose mental illnesses, provide counseling, or prescribe medications. It is also not a support group or group therapy. 

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a 3-year certification. For more information, visit Mental Health First Aid USA.

Recertification

If you previously completed Youth Mental Health First Aid and wish to renew your certification, you may retake the full instructor-led course for recertification OR complete a self-paced recertification course through the Connect learning system. Eligibility requirements for recertification are detailed on our FAQs page. Directions on how to recertify through Connect can be found here: How to Renew Your Mental Health First Aid Certification. 

E-mail questions about recertification to Mental Health First Aid at hello@mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

Audience

This course is open to U.S. adults (18+) who reside or work in a rural community within the state of Michigan who are interested in supporting mental health needs of youth in their families, workplaces, and communities.

This course is in English (ASL accommodation available on request). For Spanish, Khmer, Chinese, or Korean course options, select the “Get Trained” tab on the Mental Health First Aid USA page.

Course Details

Location: Online (Connect platform and Zoom)

Dates: 

• Option #1 - Live, Instructor-led session on June 25 @ 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET
  • Registration deadline: June 16 @ 11:59 p.m.
  • Pre-work:
    • ~2 hours of self-paced pre-work must be completed by June 23, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET

• Option #2 - Live, Instructor-led session on July 8 AND 10, 2025 @ 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Registration deadline: June 24 @ 11:59 p.m.
  • Pre-work:
    • ~2 hours of self-paced pre-work must be completed by July 6, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET

• Option #3 - Live, Instructor-led session on July 23, 2025 @ 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET
  • Registration deadline: July 9 @ 11:59 p.m.
  • Pre-work:
    • ~2 hours of self-paced pre-work must be completed by July 21, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET

• Option #4 - Live, Instructor-led session on August 19 AND 21, 2025 @ 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Registration deadline: August 5 @ 11:59 p.m.
  • Pre-work:
    • ~2 hours of self-paced pre-work must be completed by Aug. 17, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET

• Post-Work for all Options:
  • ~15 minutes of self-paced post-work due 2 weeks after the Live Zoom Session has concluded to earn certification

Note: Participants must attend at least 90% of the Live Zoom Session times (camera on, audio and chat participation required).

Cost

Free - the registration fees for all participants is being paid for with grant funding received from the Great Lakes Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center.

Note: Participants will receive access to Connect resources for 3 years, the live course, and a certificate upon completion.

Requirements

• Computer/tablet with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. This course is NOT designed for smartphones.
• NO driving while participating in the live Zoom session.

Registration Process

1. Register: Complete this form.
2. Connect Account Setup: Follow the directions in the e-mail from MSU staff, which will be sent to you within 1 month of the Live Zoom Session(s) OR shortly after registering if registration occurs within 1 month of the course. 
3. Pre-work Completion in Connect: Complete modules 1-10 in Connect before the due date (69% progress required).
4. Live Course Zoom Access: Receive the course Zoom link and passcode in your email from your course instructor ONE DAY before Live Zoom Session 1.
5. Post-work Completion in Connect: Complete modules 11-13 in Connect after Live Zoom Session. (Details will be shared during the course and via email after the course).

Cancellation Policy

• If you need to cancel your registration, please do so as soon as possible by emailing wibby@msu.edu or calling 906-439-5065.

Certification requires attendance for at least 90% of the Live Zoom Session(s). Failure to meet attendance or participation guidelines may result in removal from the Zoom course and Connect coursework with no refund.

Any amount of missed course time cannot be made up in a different course. 

• Neither Live Zoom Session can be made up as part of a different 1-day or 2-day course. 
• Individual make-up sessions are not offered. 
• Failure to attend 90% of the courses will require re-doing the entire course on another date for certification.